Does this look dated?

[Readinggirl]

We've had a new mattress, so decided to clear everything off our ottoman. Our bed & Ottoman very rarely looks this tidy. Does this look dated?

It's not the red, it's the lack of layering and textures. Everything is hard lines except for 4 random pillows on the bed.

You need to work out you colour pallet and get light, dark and mid shades that you pull through the room.

Have a look at Julie Jones on Facebook. She's a space planner and interior designer. She has heaps of reels on intentional colour through a room and use of textures, focal points, negative space. There is a tonne of negative space around your bed which is not helping.

If I'm being critical, the ottoman is the wrong scale for the bed. You might be able to bring some texture and warmth with a velvet Ottoman in a dusky pink or muted red.

i agree.

I’m kind of with you on black but it doesn’t date as a trend
get wooden ottoman ( loads on marketplace ) then you can paint it any colour and change it by repainting it

Very. Sorry 😁

It looks cute and comfortable.
I like it.
I do not know why shades of sludge are currently in fashion.

Just turn the love cushion over to the plain side,no need.to throw it out
That Habitat duvet cover is lovely

75 Beautiful Bedroom Ideas and Designs - May 2026 | Houzz UK

Is the ottoman painted? I like red but this shade seems a little harsh. Don't know if just the photo. If you can repaint anything, I'd consider a shade like this - Baked Cherry.

Is your duvet cover cotton? If it is, you could dye it. If you want the red, I'd pick a colour from this palette for your duvet.

Buy 'Baked Cherry' Deep Red Paint Online | Little Greene https://share.google/Gn8Ikw1dnbFcsUx2h

I asked ChatGPT to modernise it for you.

The Margo Selby collection is great, isn’t it? I picked the cheapest red option from Habitat upthread because I thought cost was a factor but if the OP was brave enough this or the Klee option would transform the look of her room.

I agree with whoever said it’s the bedframe more than the red that is a little bit dated, but a duvet cover like this would dazzle.

Would it work draping the throw over the ottoman (just over the top)? I'm thinking of looking for diff lamps but not sure what style. Will look in charity shops first.

Would it work draping the throw over the ottoman (just over the top)?
Try it.

The lamps need to be taller and the shades wider.

Could you post a photo of the room from a different angle. It looks like you're looking down on the bed.

The rug needs to be 'anchored'
I don't like the ottoman but it probably is useful. I'd toss a textured throw casually over it.
I'd put big pillows behind the cushions

I’d say job done what a difference for minimal effort
the red looks fine

Can you ditch the red and embrace the neutrals?

What material is the ottoman it look like faux leather?
I’m struggling a bit with the red, as it can be a very difficult colour to get right in a modern home. If there are also red blinds, it may feel overpowering.

Red tends to work best in period properties where there are architectural details, such as mouldings and deeper, layered tones to balance it.
You mentioned that the budget is tight, but even small updates to furniture and soft furnishings could help lift the overall feel of the room.

Yes. Looks dated but if you’re comfortable then I wouldn’t go changing things

I think you’re limited as to how much you’re can do anyway given the low ceiling.

For me, it’s not the red accents that is the main thing holding it back. It’s the bed, that style of bed with the metal design, the gaps between the bars, the headboard etc. I don’t really come across beds like that often I think the current style is more plush headboards etc.

I was just about to post that that Margo Selby duvet cover is a great idea

@Readinggirl , have you looked at it? That on the bed then gives you the pallet to incorporate other colours to the room

I have a bedroom pretty much like yours - in the eves, small windows, and I went antique ivory everywhere, with a really dark luscious red as the accent , in velvets and silks ( fake Im not rich )

I use bedspreads a lot to add colours and textures ( I hate piles of bed cushions )

@Readinggirl I could not live with the red I’m afraid. It just a very dated look. The big red box looks all wrong too. I’ve attached a couple of pictures to give some ideas about how to make the room more relaxing and less of a contrast. Look for whites and neutrals and textures. Cushions really do soften the look but not slogan ones. Look at lights and if you must have the box, cover it with a white throw. A whicker trunk is much nicer. When you can, try a warm white paint.

Don't worry about dated, everything keeps coming round, so just have whatever you want, and it'll be in fashion again soon!

The only thing that matters is if you like it

It's a little dated, red like this was fashionable in the 80's. If keeping the red (understandable because of the blinds), I would go full on boho vibes. Bright throw, funky duvet cover and I'd probably paint the side tables as I have a dislike for pine! (not your fault, grew up with it everywhere as dad was pine furniture mad). Embrace the bright! Or of course, not worry if you like it.

It looks a bit like my teenaged bedroom from the 90s but the 90s are in fashion at the moment so maybe this doesn’t look dated after all 🤔

I think what is making it look so dated (you asked)is the bed frame. All the other stuff wouldn’t be much of a problem, but the bed frame is shouting 1980s big time.

Yes, it does.

For me, its the red cushions (particularly the 'Love' one), the shiny ottoman, the style of bed frame.

Additionally, imo the lamps are far too small to be useful for reading in bed.

We don't have any neutral colours in our home and actually originally accessorised our De Nimes (blue) main bedroom with large red vintage lamps, but found that the shiny red ceramic texture didn't sit well in the space. We do however have a large, red picture frame hanging on the wall behind the bed and somehow that works!

@Readinggirl I think a more neutral scheme as per the above pics might work as it would create a restful, calming space. You'd need to add lots of textures to layer the room so it didn't appear one dimensional. Obviously your red blinds would then be the outlier...or have to be sacrificed.

Alternatively, go for full on jewel colours and embrace the red (a cerise would work better). If I were doing that I'd colour-drench the whole room in a deep, saturated tone such as emerald green, including up onto the ceiling, to make it cosy and cocooning.

… and the red accents, which is easy to solve.